THIS WEEK'S FOCUS

How to let Jesus walk us through our sorrows and suffering.

1. If a friend of yours were going through a hard time and asked you, “If God loves me, why is He allowing me to suffer,” how would you answer that question?

2. If you think of a hardship in your life, something rubbing you wrong as the grain of sand in an oyster, that can be handled in a way that produces a pearl; what area of your life today would you say God is trying to form a pearl in you?

3. Are you more prone to pray “comfort me” prayers or “conform me” prayers?  What is the difference between the two?

4. Which of the following reactions to hardship or people’s rejection and betrayal is hardest for you to let go of?  (anger, fear, resentment, self-pity, blame, exploding on others, worry, anxiety, resignation, complaining, withdrawing into a shell and isolating myself)  When upset do you tend to be more like a turtle or a skunk? How might you like your group to be in prayer with you about this.